Salem to get another frozen yogurt shop

SALEM — The proliferation of frozen yogurt shops in the past several years is especially apparent in Salem.

Last week, the Planning Board approved a 1,512-square foot frozen yogurt shop at 277 North Broadway.

.Hemant Patel of Windham is leasing the space from the adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts at the former Granite State Potato Chips site.

When it opens later this year, Patel’s shop will be the fourth to open in town in just over a year. According to Planning Director Ross Moldoff, a fifth frozen yogurt shop is in the works...The Planning Board approved the change of use for the space and also approved the parking plan for the property.

Originally, the site was approved for a retail space, not a restaurant space, according to Patel’s engineer, David Jordan...“Patel is proposing to bring in a self-serve yogurt shop at that location,” said Jordan. “In addition to the yogurt dispenser, there will be about four tables and 16 chairs. It will be staffed by one or two people.”..Jordan said the 29 parking spaces on the property will be more than sufficient for both businesses.

The yogurt shop will likely be open from about 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak hours coming in the afternoon and during the summer, Jordan said...“Dunkin’ Donuts typically has its peak hours in the morning,” said Jordan. “We feel there will not be a significant impact on traffic because of the different peak hours of operation for these two facilities.”..The Planning Board unanimously approved the plan, although board member Phyllis O’Grady said she was disappointed that there is not a sign anywhere on the building noting it was the former home of the Granite State Potato Chips factory...